Photo: ILS

International Launch Services (ILS) successfully launched Eutelsat Communications’ EUTELSAT 5 West B into super-synchronous transfer orbit using a Proton Breeze M rocket. The vehicle lifted off from the Baikonur Cosmodrome at 3:17 p.m. local time on October 9.

The separation of the satellite occurred after a 15 hour and 36 minute flight, and the spacecraft systems checkout was successfully completed during the following four hours. Following further maneuvers and in-orbit tests, EUTELSAT 5 West B will be positioned at 5 degrees West at the end of this year to replace EUTELSAT 5 West A, which will remain operational in orbit at 5 degrees West and carry out other missions. EUTELSAT 5 West B will also host the GEO-3 payload of the European Geostationary Navigation Overlay System (EGNOS) under a 15-year agreement signed in 2017 with the European GNSS Agency (GSA), and valued at approximately $112 million dollars (102 million euros).

Rodolphe Belmer, CEO of Eutelsat said: “Our congratulations to ILS and Khrunichev for a flawless launch that sees a new Eutelsat satellite propelled on its way to geostationary orbit. This satellite programme reflects outstanding collaboration between Eutelsat, GSA, Airbus Defence and Space, Northrop Grumman, International Launch Services and Khrunichev. We look forward to putting EUTELSAT 5 West B to work for the benefit of our clients throughout Europe and North Africa and to the inauguration of EGNOS’ GEO-3 payload that will improve the performance of global navigation satellite systems in Europe.”